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Theatre Review: Chicago - Kings Theatre, Glasgow ✭✭✭

After shooting, and killing, her lover, Chicago chorus girl, Roxie Hart finds herself on death row. Deciding to turn her lemons into lemonade she enlists the help of hot shot lawyer, Billy Flynn to not only help get her off with the crime but to make her a star in the process. It's not long before the name on everybody's lips is Roxie, but her fifteen minutes of fame doesn't last for long and desperate times call for desperate measures.

Understudy Ellie Mitchell seemed fully at home in the role of Matron 'Mama' Morton. Mitchell was vocally strong with a likeable presence, even when she was manipulating her death row residents. The star however was unquestionably Sophie Carmen-Jones as Velma Kelly - her confident and endearing performance as the murderous nightclub singer managed to earn the empathy of the audience. With so many strong and feisty female characters it's easy to forget about the men in the show, however Neil Ditt really shone through as Roxie's long suffering husband, Amos, and John Partridge was everything you would expect Billy Flynn to be.The story is told from various perspectives and gives great insight into the backstory of not only Velma and Roxie but also the supporting characters. The delivery of the songs is reminiscent of a 1920's speakeasy with a brass band remaining on stage throughout and each number being introduced as an act. The slick choreography stands in place of a narrator playing a vital role in telling the story. The full cast are so in sync that each move blends flawlessly into the next in a mesmerising fashion. On the whole this is a well produced show but atmosphere was lacking and in some parts, completely missing. The vocals, dialogue and instrumentals all seemed quieter than they should have been which may have contributed.

Chicago is at the King's Theatre, Glasgow until Saturday 24th September.